Cape Fear Valley Health recently honored two of its employees with the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. 

The program recognizes employers for “employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve,” according to a prepared media statement.

The Patriot Award spotlights efforts by businesses or individuals that accommodate military men and women for their service for such things as providing flexible schedules, giving time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Master Sergeant Leslie Green, who is also a Licensed Practical Nurse with Cape Fear Valley Health, nominated two of the health system’s office managers for their support after she was twice called to active duty last year. 

Green is a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Medical Group, and was first stationed at Joint Forces Headquarters in Raleigh and then in Charlotte providing COVID-19 support. 

Green, who normally works with Cape Fear Valley Urology Group Office Manager Rebecca Webster, was first called up while filling in with Cape Fear Valley Primary Care Lumberton’s Office Manager Angela Brown.

“My supervisors were completely supportive of my service to our country,” Green said. “Although Rebecca expressed sadness each time I had to call to tell her my orders had been extended again, she remained ever supportive and let me know she and the clinic were anxiously awaiting my return and were all very proud of me. In April of 2020, when I was called up the first time, Angie checked on me while I was gone, and she even had an amazing ‘Welcome Home’ display set up for my return a month later.”

During the awards presentation, Cape Fear Valley Health Chief Human Resources Officer Denver Hopkins signed a Statement of Support pledge, reiterating the health system’s support of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, according to a prepared statement.

“Cape Fear Valley Health proudly supports our military members by providing flexibility when they are called to action,” Hopkins said. “We understand that our needs as a health system come secondary to the needs of the country and encourage our leaders to support all staff who are called to duty. We greatly appreciate all that you do!”

According to NC ESGR Training Director Erwin Gutzwiller, the Statement of Support Program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s effort to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve.

“The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military,” Gutzwiller said.” Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units and support of the Guard and Reserve.”